Imagine what 500+ people could accomplish if they were to get real serious about following Jesus and lose their inhibitions. Imagine what the LORD could do with a community of believers who were convinced they were given the gift of each day because the LORD has something important for them to do in service to His kingdom. Imagine if creativity, passion and discipline collided in the hearts and souls of each member and they felt unleashed and empowered to use their gifts and services as an offering of thanks and dedication to GOD. What might “church” look like if living for God became our quest rather than our hobby?
I have a dream . . . (I know this phrase was already made famous but, hey, it’s a good one!) of a church environment where everyone feels welcome, valuable and wanted, no matter what is going on in his or her life because the image of God is seen in everyone. I dream of our church community being a safe place to share even the most heinous thoughts and actions so that healing and accountability can be realized; where people can recognize the value their Father in heaven places upon them and the type of intimate relationship He is actively seeking to develop; where citizens of our surrounding communities realize they really can receive help that makes a difference, and is personal!
I have a dream . . . where the ministry of reconciliation becomes the central focus for those who already know the sweet gift of life a second time through Jesus; I dream of reconciliation resulting in walls being torn down between denominations and even sister congregations so we present God in His fullness to a world that doesn’t understand why those who profess the love of Jesus can’t get along with one another. I dream of a spirit of reconciliation that allows those who don’t see doctrinal issues eye to eye to appreciate being stretched by those with differing views instead of fearing what their difference might lead the church into (after all, isn’t God in control, no matter what we think?)
I have a dream . . . of a community of believers who have the confidence to believe THEY CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE; who are so filled with appreciation because of what their Father has done to bless them that they cannot keep silent about Him; who hunger and thirst for deeper intimacy with God, but who want to bring along as many others as they can to experience the joy and fullness of life they are enjoying. I dream of a congregation of believers who will shut off their TV sets one night a week, skip sports activities or other extra-curricular activities and use this time to serve others and share the Bible and their lives with people who would not normally have this time given to them.
I have a dream . . . of a church that emphasizes training up ministers and servants who realize they have responsibilities towards the souls of everyone they come in contact with and, consequently, are motivated to be equipped so they make the most of each opportunity. I dream of never needing to plead for teachers or other service roles to be filled because each member knows they have something special and unique to offer and can’t wait to share with others what their God has created them to fulfill during their lifetime.
Can you see God writing this? This dream is His! He wants us to bear His image (paragraph 2). He calls us to be ministers of reconciliation (paragraph 3). He created us to be disciples (paragraph 4) and ministers & servants (paragraph 5). May we lovingly challenge and stretch one another throughout 2009 to be what He has created us and called us to be—and fulfill the dream of our Father!
Click to listen to sermon.
-Scott
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